Lead Substation Commissioning Specialist

Job Summary

The Lead Substation Commissioning Specialist is responsible for overseeing the full life-cycle commissioning of electrical substations, ensuring that newly constructed or upgraded substations are fully operational and meet industry standards. This role includes reviewing design documents, coordinating with construction and engineering teams, and performing detailed testing and validation of substation systems, including power transformers, breakers, relays, and control systems.

Essential Functions

• Perform On-site Substation Commissioning Activities and Manage Projects (50%)
• On-site inspection, validation, functional testing, verification and troubleshooting of electrical equipment such as transformers, switchgear, protection relays, and control systems
• Participate in factory witness testing and observe startup activities
• Use technical equipment to perform testing – Omicron test unit experience is a plus but not required
• Direct vendors / contractors in the execution of the testing
• Timely and effective management and delivery of projects
• Identify potential project risks and aid in development of strategies to minimize impact and control deviations from estimated costs and project deadlines
• Primary site contact for clients and build effective, long-term client relationships
• Onboarding of project team for mobilization and provides ongoing updates
• Develop Testing Plans and Procedures for Substation Projects (20%)
• Development of commissioning plans
• Prepare pre-functional checklists
• Prepare functional performance test scripts
• Review Substation Design Documents, Drawings and Specifications (15%)
• Review shop drawings and submittals
• Review sequence of operations
• Lead and participate in commissioning focused design reviews
• Reporting (15%)
• Direct and assist with all project communication and reporting
• Prepare and oversee development of project progress reports for internal and external stakeholders
• Prepare and oversee the final commissioning report for submission to client
• Manage personal hours and site team’s hours using company tools
• Completion of Assigned Tasks and Deliverables on Time and on Budget (15%)

Position Requirements (Advanced Level)

• Knowledge of substation system electrical equipment, protection, and control systems
• Knowledge of regulatory standards, including IEEE, NERC, and FERC compliance requirements
• Skilled in using power system analysis software, protection coordination tools, and SCADA integration
• Skilled at using MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams), along with exceptional organizational skills for file management
• Skilled in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail
• Ability to leverage AI and emerging technologies to streamline workflows, optimize operational processes, and contribute to company-wide innovation
• Ability to work successfully in a remote environment thru effective communication and organizational skills, self-motivation, proactiveness and resourcefulness in a distraction free workspace
• Ability to follow company and site safety requirements
• Ability to analyze and prepare documents, reports and correspondence
• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form (technical and non-technical information)
• Ability to communicate effectively directly with clients and at times serve as primary point of client contact
• Ability to work successfully as a member of a team and independently with moderate supervision
• Ability to work under pressure and meet close deadlines
• Ability to effectively plan and delegate the work of others
• Ability to achieve certification for NFPA70E and / or OSHA training as / if required
• Organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously

Physical Demands

• Frequently manipulating, moving or grasping small parts, devices or tools
• Frequently required to remain in a stationary position
• Frequently moving through office, critical facility and other environments (such as low temperatures, high temperatures and outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind), including tight and confined spaces
• Frequently descending / ascending stairs and ladders to access equipment
• On occasion the employee may be required to position self under or over equipment
• On occasion the employee may move equipment weighing up to 50 pounds

Travel / Relocation Requirements

• Must have a valid driver’s license and ability to rent vehicles.
• Up to 75%, this may include travel to any or all 50 US states
• Effective May 7, 2025, and in accordance with U.S. federal regulations for domestic air travel, a valid REAL ID (or an acceptable alternative, such as a passport) is required for travel associated with this position.
• Travel is defined as physically leaving home on behalf of business activities including but not limited to client sites, meetings with other employees, meetings for business development purposes, running errands on behalf of the business, attending industry conferences, etc.
• Travel may involve transportation by car or plane depending on the destination and nature of the business need.
• Potential relocation opportunities may exist per project needs.
• Potential international travel based on project needs and skillset development.

Education / Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction or related discipline
• OR
• Two years’ experience with electrical substation commissioning, including testing and troubleshooting of transformers, protection relays, circuit breakers, and SCADA systems
• PLUS
• Minimum eight years’ additional experience with electrical substation commissioning, including testing and troubleshooting of transformers, protection relays, circuit breakers, and SCADA systems.
• Experience working with utility companies or large-scale industrial electrical systems.

Benefits

• Choice of comprehensive medical plans (including two PPO-style plans and a HDHP w/ HSA option)
• Flex spending accounts (FSA)
• Dental and vision plans
• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision benefits extended to spouse / domestic partner and dependent children up to age 26
• 401k with company match and self-directed brokerage account option
• PTO including additional paid time off during the last week of the year
• Company paid life insurance coverage for employees and their eligible dependents
• Short and long-term disability, AD&D coverage
• Professional development opportunities, tuition reimbursement and professional licensing assistance
• Paid parental leave after one year of employment

Notice to Third Party Agencies

DLB does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to DLB in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where DLB has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of DLB and DLB will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation – no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.